Retractable electric needle protector for knitting machines



p 13, 1949. E. VOSSEN RETRACTABLE ELECTRIC NEEDLE PROTECTOR FOR KNITTING MACHINES Filed Oct. 22, 1948 5 #6 m w w w ,w o h 2 2 INVENTOR. EDW/IED {/as sEN. 7 BY W V ATM/Fwy Patented Sept. 13, 1949 RETRACTABLE ELECTRIC NEEDLE PRO- TECTOR FOR KNZTTING MACHINES Edward Vossen, Lynbrooli, N. Y., assignor to Stop- Motion Devices Corp, Brooklyn, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application October 22, 1948, Serial No. 55,848

11 Claims.

1 This invention relates to new and useful improvements in electric needle protectors for knitting machines having electric stop motion de- Vices.

More particularly, the invention relates to elec-- tric needle protectors which have pointers adapted to be placed in positions around the cylinders of the machines where the dial needles are recessed or retracted to a maximum so that the stitches are completed. In these particular areas provided for the operator to rethread the needles:

when necessary.

For maximum eificiency it is required that the pointer of a needle protector be placed as close as possible to the finished stitches being knitted by the knitting machine. This invention particu-" parly proposes improvements upon prior needle protectors which make it possible in a practical way to properly set the pointer close to the finished stitches, and to maintain this setting indefinitely. With the old protectors they were generally correctly set when installed. However, after some use the operators usually inadvertently forced them out of adjustment. This is due to the fact that it is necessary to manually grip the pointers of the old needle protectors and push them back to their operative positions after they have been set off. Frequently, inexperienced operators, or careless persons, would push the pointers back to their starting positions with too much force and consequently bend them very slightly. After this is done several times they are out of adjustment. The entire knitting machine is then in danger. As the lumps and fuzz from the threads and yarns accumulate on the needles of the knitting machine there is a tendency for the needles to break. It is the function of the needle protectors to operate the stop motion of the knitting machine when these lumps exceed certain permissible sizes. If the knitting machine is not stopped timely the lumps increase until some of the knitting needles either become damaged or actually break. If the machine continues operating additional needles, some times hundreds, or even all of the needles, may become in volved and break. Moreover, when even but one needle breaks the knitted material is knitted with a hole.

A very important feature of the new needle protector, in accordance with this invention, re-

moved back to its operative or forward position close to the knitting needles without directly touching or moving the pointer. It is proposed that a certain stem be provided which when moved, indirectly moves the pointer back into the said operative, or forward position. For this reason it is impossible for the pointer to be accidentally manually flexed and bent when resetting the protector.

Another object of this invention resides in so arranging the stem by which the pointer is reset that it is easy to see whether or not the needle protector is in an on or oil position. With this visible indicator, the operator may easily pick out which needle protector stopped the knitting machine, or whether some other stop motion device on the knitting machine caused the stoppage.

As previously stated there is very little room at the point where the pointer'oi the needle protector is placed close to the recessed Or retracted needles of the knitting machine completing the stitches. Prior needle protectors were constructed so that their pointers swung in arcs away from this area to permit access for rethreading or replacing the needles. However, in many machines the room is so limited that the pointers necessarily are very restricted in the amount they can swing, with the result that they are in the way and inconvenience the operator in his work. An important object of this invention resides in so constructing the new needle protector that when sides in an arrangement whereby the pointer is it is set 011 the pointer swings but a very small distance and then moves a great distance in a longitudinal direction into a retracted position. The advantages of this operation are readily apparent. Because of the small arcuate swing of the pointer, the needle protector may be used in places where there is very little space. Then, because it moves longitudinally into a retracted position it moves away from the cramped quarters so that this area is readily accessible to the operator.

Another object of the invention is the construction of a device as described which is simple and durable and which may be manufactured and sold at a reasonable cost.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawing,-and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawing forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a retractable electric needle protector for a knitting machine, constructed in accordance with this invention, and illustrated schematically applied to a portion of a knitting machine shown in dot and dash lines.

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a siid vie w of Fig. I

Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 44 of Fig. 2, but illustrated with the support bracket removed.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Fig.4.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged horizontal sectional View taken on the line 6-45 of Fig. 4, this .view being drawn on a larger scale than used on Fig. 5 to better illustrate certain small parts.

The retractable electric needle pliqtector for a knitting machine having an electric stop motion, in accordance with this invention, includes a member ID for attachment upon a part of the knitting machine so that said member 16 moves relative to and along the knitting needles of the machine. The member ID is in the nature of a tubular member. It is supported by brackets II and l2. The bracket 'H has a clamp .portion M formed at one end and controlled by a screw 15 by which the member I!) may be clamped in various raised 'and lowered positions, and also in various turned positions. The other end of the bracket is formed with a slot I5 through which a support'screw I6 passes. A washer ll is placed under the head of the support screw IS. The support screw [6 threadedly connects with the bracket l2 and maintains the bracket H in a horizontal position upon the top end of the bracket 12. The bracket i2 is provided with an offset portion l8 for resting upon the dial cap or other part of a knitting machine. In Figs. 1 and acne dial cap is schematically indicated by reference numeral 19. The bracket 12 also has a bottom portion 20 with an opening 2| for a fastening screw'by which it may be attached on said dial cap [9. In Fig. 1 the arcuate lines 22 schematically indicate a small group of vertical knitting needles of a knitting machine. The arrow 23 indicates the direction of relative movement of the dial Him the needles 22. From this it may be understood that the member I will move relative to and along the knitting needles of the knitting machine.

A plunger 25 is movably mounted relative to said member Ill, to move from a forward or down position to a retracted or up position, and back'to the forward position again. More particularly, the plunger 25 is slidably mounted like a piston within the tubular member [0 and may slide from a forward (down) position in the tubular member Ill to a retracted (up) position therein. The needle protector does not necessarily have to be mounted in a vertical position on a knitting machine. It may be mounted horizontallvor at an angle. When it is mounted vertically the tubular member 10 is vertical and the retracted position of the plunger 25 is up,

. \vhne theforward position is down.

Resilient means urges the plunger 25 into its retracted position. This resilient means is in the natureof an expansion spring 26 housed within thetubular memberlfl and acting between the bl l tqhi o the thhhhr m mb the o om t p? o h pluhger 2 electric circuit is associated with the plunger 25. "ea-messing circuit is intended to be connected "with the electric stop motion of the knitting machine. 3 Said electric' circuit includes a circuit opener and a circuit closer synchronized with said plunger 25 for closing the circuit when the plunger 25 is retracted. Said electric circuit includes a terminal 28 for connection with the circuit of the electric stop motion of the knitting machine. This terminal 28 is mounted up- .on an arm 29 which connects with a tubular member mounted through a cap 3| threadedly engaged on the top of the tubular member Ill. The cap 3! is of insulation material. The pluner 2-5 is thievided with a top stem 33 which extends through. the tubular member 30. An insulation tube L34 is engaged through the tube 30 and about the stem 63 so as to insulate the stem fromthe tubular member 30. The above mentioned electric circuit may be traced from the terminal 233 through the arm 29 to the bottom end of the tube 30. When the plunger 25 moves to its retracted position, that is, to its extreme top position, it will engage the bottom of the tube 3.5 and then the circuit is closed .to the plunger 2.5, the tubular member :liLthe brackets ll and l 2, and so to the ground of the knitting :ma-

chine. The plunger 25 cooperating with the .bottom of the tube 3.8 comprises the circuit opener nd closer previously referred t which is synchronized with the plunger 25 for closing the circuit when h p unger .25 its fully retr cte position, an ;fcr openin he circui when the plun r 25 moves forward.

A p in er 3.6 is co nected w th th splune r 2. and is pr vid d with a pointed hottomnnd s1 for loca ion as close as possible to the finished stitches being knitted by the knitting machine. when said plunger 2.5 isin its forward position. This pointer 35 is retractable by the plunger .25

'in order to .be spaced a relative large distance from said stitches when the plunger 25 is retracted. The pointer :35 passes through a slot formed in the bottom 2:? of the tubular member is. This slot .35 is slightly wider than the thickness of the pointer 36 in order toguide the pointer 38 in its movements. The plunger 25 is iormed with a slit '39 slightly wider than the thickness of said pointer 36 into which the top end of the pointer 35 engages. A pintle pin 4% ismounted through the bottom portion of the plunger 25 across the slit39. Thepointer e'fihas a side notch 4! which is hooked on to the pintle pin "ill. A horizontal spring 42 is housed in a horizontal opening is formed in the top portion of the plunger 25bet-ween the adjacent faces of the slit -39. The top end of the engages and r l om r sses said spr n 4 h spring ts as a resilient mean 'lf r pi tin an u in th bot om of sa pointer sli htly late al to a n rmal os t on in o de heta ump m s f si mate ial formin a t needle o he knittin machin m mov ai pointer 35 out isaid normal position. 7

Latch means is associated with said pointer 35 and operates between saidmember BB1 and said pointed 36 for holding said pointer forwards when said pointer is in itsrsaid lateral normal posii aid atch m ans in udes hc r el n m d aid mem r i and ihth p in er 3 These ke r e ements com rise anctchi-fomc in the side of the pointer a e d en a e-a le wit one end of the slot 33 in the bottom 2?. Said keeper elements 4.5 and the end of the slotiaa are adapted to disengage, when said pointer :36 ,is moved laterally out of said normal nqsition in order that the spring .25 may retract theplunger 2s and so ind rectly retract the pointer adjustments have been made, the ne The use and operation of-the new needle protector may be understood from the following:

On the drawing, the needle protector is illustrated in its loaded condition, that is, a condition in which the pointer 36 is in its forward position. It is held in this position by the springs 23 and 12. The spring 26 acts to urge the plunger upwards, but since the top end of the pointer 3E is hooked on to the pintle pin 40, the pointer 36 is being urged upwards. It is held down by the keeper element 45, that is the notch 45, engaging the end of the slot 38. The spring 42 acts against the top end of the pointer 36 to pivot the pointer 36 slightly laterally about the pintle at as a pivot, and in this way urges and holds the notch 45 against the end of the slot 38.

A live wire from. the electric stop motion system of the knitting machine is engaged on the terminal 28. No current flows because the terminal 23 connects with the tube 30 which is insulated by the tube 34 and the cap 3|. The electric needle protector is mounted on the knitting machine and suitably adjusted so that the point 3? of the pointer 36 is as close as possible to the stitches being formed and finished by the knittin machine. Several needle protectors may be used on a knitting machine. A suitable arrangement would be to have one needle protector for each four feeds of the knitting machine. The screw it; may be loosened so that the bracket l i may be shifted horizontally inwards and outwards. The screw l5 may be loosened so that the member It; may be turned and may also be raised and lowered as required. Each electric needle protector is positioned at the point where the dial knitting needles are recessed to their maximum extent, at which instant the loops of the stitches are just pulled tight and completed.

During the operation of the knitting machine the point 31 moves relative to the knitting needles. However, the recessed area of the knitting needles moves along with the pointer 36. As foreign material collects on the knitting needles an obstruction will soon be formed which will engage the point 3?. The needle protector is so mounted in relation to its motion relative to the knitting needles that said lump causes the bottom end'of the pointer 36 to pivot slightly towards the right in relation to Fig. 4. .5 from the left hand end of the slot 38. Immediately the spring 26 urges the plunger 25 upwards into its retracted position. In this latter position the plunger 25 will engage the bottom end of the tube 33 closing tube 3!! to the plunger 25 oi? the stop motion system causin the stop motion knitting machine.

When the plunger 2 tracted position, the stem 33 correspondingly moves upwards, as indicated by the dot and dash lines in Figs. 2 and 3. In Fig. 3 particularly note the dot and dash position of the point 31 which represents the raised or retrac pointer 38. The operator may easily spy the raised stem 33 and so immediately note that the knitting machine was stopped by the particular needle protector. If desired, the stem 33 may be colored red so as to be more Y operator then corrects the defect which caused operation of the needle protector. Because the pointer 36 was raised there is ample room to reach the needles so as to conveniently engage the loops back on: them. When-all the necessary edle proand thus to the ground of the knitting machine, to function to stop the This disengages the notch the electric circuit from the; 4

5 moves upwards to its ICC-51;.

ted position of the;

prominent. The.

tector is reset merely by depressing'the stem 33 to its original position. When the stem 33 is moved downwards the plunger 25 will becorreaspondingly moved. This indirectly moves the pointer 36 downwards. When the pointer 36 reaches its extreme downward position the notch will re-engage the end of the slot 38 because of the pivoting action of the spring 42. The needle protector is now reset in operative position again.

It should be particularly noted that the pointer 36 is required to swing through but a very small arc during the operation of the needle protector. The arc is sufficient to merely disengage the notch E5 from the endof the slot 38. Thereafter the pointer 36 is removed from the vicnity of the needles by moving longitudinally under the indirect action of the spring 26.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A retractable electric needle protector for a knitting machine having an electric stop motion, comprising a member for attachment upon a part of a knitting machine so that said member moves relatively to and along the knitting needles of said machine, a plunger movable relative to said member from a forward to a retracted position and back to a forward position, resilient means ,urging said plunger into said retracted position, an electric circuit for connection with the electric stop motion of said knitting machine and including a circuit opener and closer synchronized with said plunger for closing said circuit when said plunger is retracted, a pointer connected with said plunger and having a pointed end for .location as close as possible to the stitches being 5 knitted by said knitting machine when said plunger is in its forward position and retractable by said plunger in order to be spaced a relatively large distance from said stitches when said plunger is retracted, resilient means for urging said pointer slightly laterally to a normal position in order that lumps of foreign material forming at the knitting needles of said knitting machine may move said pointer out of said normal position, and latch means operating between said "'55 member and said pointer and including engaging keeper elements for holding said pointer forwards .yvhen said pointer is in its lateral normal position and said keeper elements disengaging when said I pointer is moved laterally out of said normal position in order that said first named resilient means may retract said plunger and said pointer.

2. A retractable electric needle protector for a knitting machine having an electric stop motion, N) comprising a member for attachment upon a part of a knitting machine so that said member moves relatively to and along the knitting needles of said machine, a plunger movable relative to said member from a forward to a retracted position and back to a forward position, resilient means 7 urging said plunger into said retracted position,

an electric circuit for connection with the electric stop motion of said knitting machine and including a circuit opener and closer synchronized with said plunger for closing said circuit ween said plunger is retracted, a pointer connected with,

7 said pioneer and havin a pointed and fo loseiron as lclose as nossible to th be n lmilttted by said machine said nlungerris in its .forna d no tian and retractable icy said pioneer in order ftp-be spaced a r latively large distance rrom said st tches when said plunger is retracted, resilient 91 said pointer slightly laterally to a norm n i tion in order that lamps of ioreie-n materia forming at the knitting needles of saigl knitting machine may move said pointer cut of sa d .110 mal position, and latch means ope ating be w e said member and said pointer and in lud ng eneasing keeper elements tor hold n said ,nointer norwards when said noirrter in i la era no.1" malgposition andsaid ke per el m n s d senga :when pointer moved laterally ou a said normal position in order that named resilient means may ret eat sai plun and :said point r, said m mber being cylindrical,

and said inlunger being .z lida ly m unted in said c lindrical member.

A retractable electric needle nnotee or rfor a machine having an electric step motion compr n a memloer for attachment a wart or .a knittin machine so that said mem mores relatively to and along the kni ting needles of said machine, a plunge! .movlazble flielar l e h said member from a forward to .a retracted D951- tion and back to a forward nosition resi ient,

means urging said plun er into said retract d nositi n, electric o-ocircuit ior connection w t 'the electric stop m tion of said knit i machin endincluding a ci cui opener and diesel" chromzed with said pl n er ifor dosing sa lhei cuitwh nsa n l n e i r t ac ln inte cenneeted with said plun er and havin a pointe end forzlqca'tion as close ,as possihlezto-the stitches heing knitted by said knitting machine-When sai plunger is in its forward position and e radtalhl by said plun er in order to b spaced arel tive y la g d sta c fr m said stitch s sai plunger is retracted, resilient ,means fer clinging said pointer slightly laterally 130 .a normal position inlorder that lumnsof ioreignmate a ior-mingat the knitting'needles aof said knitting -n1a chine may move said poin r (out o said no ma position, and latch means operatingbetween said member and said pointer and including engagconnected wi h said p u ger and havineano n end for location as close as possible to the stitches bei g k tted by i kn ing machine when said plunger is in its fiorward position and retractable by said plunger in order to be spaced a relatively large distance from said stitches when said plun r is tracted, resilient means for u i g Said-pointer slightly laterally t.0.a normal position in order that lumps :of foreign material forming at the knitting needles of said knitting machin may move sa d pointer out f sa d normal p s tion, and latch means operating between said member and said pointer and including engaging keeper elements for holding said pointer forwards when said pointer is in its lat ral norma nosi ion and said per elements disen agin when sai pointer is moved laterally loutoi said normal posi- 7 .tion in order that said first named resilient means may retract said plungerand pointer, said n Inber bein ylindrical, and said p un er b in slidably mounted in said vcylind-rical.melllbe f. said c rcuit opener and closer inc ding said p un e and an insulated contact, and said plunger engaging against said insulated contact in its retracted position for closing said electric circuit.

5. A retractable electric needle protector for,

a knittin machin hav e e t ic st p .1

tion, comprising a memb p o a tach nt p apart of a knitting machine so that said member moy e s relatively to and along the knitting needles of said machine, a plunger movable relative to 7 end forlocation as close as possible to the stitches being knitted by said knitting machine when said plunger is in its vforward position and retractable by said plunger 'in order to be spaced a relatively large distance from said stitches when said plunger is retracted, resilient means for urging said pointer slightly laterally toa nor- ,mal position in order that lumps of foreign material forming at the knitting needles of said .1 11; keeperelementsofcr holding said painter tor-p.50 knitting machine may move sai pointer out of wards when said pointer is in its lateral normal position and said keeper elements disen ag n when said pointer is moved laterally .out of said normal position in .order that saidfirst named resilient means may ret act said ;plurrg e r and said pointer, said member bein c lindrical, an .said plunger being slidably mounted in said cylindrical member, said first named resilient means comprising aspring within said cylindrical member and .acting between said plunger and. .50

cylindrical member.

'51. A ret actable electric needle prote t r r knitting machine having an electric stonin :tion, comp ising a member for attachment upo apart of .a knitting machineso thatsaid-membe .moves relative to and along .the knitting needles rsaid machine, .a plunger m vable relat ve to said member from ,a forwar d to .a .retlta t t ,DQSition and back to .a -forward o ition, resilient m ans urgin said p un e into said retracted ,70

position an electric circuit .ior connect on it the electric stop m t on .of s dkn tt ne machin and includin a ircu t op nerand c ose synchronized with said plunger for closing said circuit when said plun r is retracted, apointer 75 jilateral normal position and said keeper elements disengagingwhen said pointer is moved laterally out of said normal position in order thatsaid-first named resilient means may retract said plunger and said pointer, said member being cylindrical, and said plunger being slidably -m0unted in said eylindrical member, said pointer' beingconnected with said plunger with a pivot, and said second named resilient means comprising -a spring ecting between said pointer and said plunger.

6. A retractable electric needle protector for -a knitting machine having-an electric stop motion, comprising a member *for attachment upon a part of a knitting machine so that said member moves relatively to and along the knitting needles of said machine, a -plunger movable relative to said member from a :forward to a retracted position and back to a forward position, resilient means urging said plungerinto said retracted position, an electric cili l it *for,connection with the electric stop motion of saicl knittingmachineand including a circuitopener and closer synchronized withsaid plunger for closing said circuit when said plunger is retracted, a pointer connected with said plunger and having a pointed end for location as close as possible to the stitches beingknitted by said knitting machine when said plunger is in its forward position and retractable by said plunger in order to be spaced a relatively large distance from said stitches when said plunger. is retracted, resilient means for urging said pointer slightly laterally to a normal position in order that lumps of foreign material forming at the knitting needles of said knitting machine may move said pointer out of said normal position, and latch means operating between said member and said pointer and including engaging keeper elements for holding said pointer forwards when said pointer is in its lateral normal position and said keeper elements disengaging when said pointer is moved laterally out of said normal position in order that said first named resilient means may retract said plunger and said pointer, said member being cylindrical, and said plunger being slidably mounted in said cylindrical member, said pointer being connected with said plunger with a pivot, and said second named resilient means comprising a spring acting between said pointer and said plunger, said pivot comprising a pintle pin mounted on said plunger and a notch in the side of said pointer 3 engaging said pintle pin.

'7. A retractable electric needle protector for a knitting machine having an electric stop motion, comprising a member for attachment upon a part of a knitting machine so that said member moves relatively to and along the knitting needles of said machine, a plunger movable relative to said member from a forward to a retracted position and back to a forward position, resilient means urging said plunger into said retracted position, an electric circuit for connection with the electric stop motion of said knitting machine and including a circuit opener and closer synchronized with said plunger for closing said circuit'when said plunger is retracted, a pointer connected with said plunger and having a pointed end for location as close as possible to the stitches being knitted by said knitting machine when said plunger is in its forward posi tion and retractable by said plunger in order to be spaced a relatively large distance from said stitches when said plunger is retracted, resilient means for urging said pointer slightly laterally to a normal position in order that lumps of foreign material forming at the knitting needles of said knitting machine may move said pointer out of said normal position, and latch means operating between said member and said pointer and including engaging keeper elements for holding said pointer forwards when said pointer is in its lateral normal position and said keeper elements disengaging when said pointer is moved laterally out of said normal position in order that said first named resilient means may retract said plunger and said pointer, said member being cylindrical, and said plunger being slidably mounted in said cylindrical member, said pointer being connected with said plunger with a pivot, and said second named resilient means comprising a spring acting between said pointer and said plunger, said spring being housed in an opening formed in said plunger.

8. A retractable electric needle protector for a knitting machine having an electric stop motion, comprising a member for attachment upon a part 10 of a knitting machine so that said member moves relatively to and along the knitting needles of said machine, a plunger movable relative to said member from a forward to a retracted position and back to a forward position, resilient means urging said plunger into said retracted position, an electric circuit for connection with the electric stop motion of said knitting machine and including a circuit opener and closer synchronized with said plunger for closing said circuit when said plunger is retracted, a pointer connected with said plunger and having a pointed end for location as close as possible to the stitches being knitted by said knitting machine when said plunger is inits forward position and retractable by said plunger in order to be spaced a relatively large distance from said stitches when said plunger is retracted, resilient meansfor urging said pointer slightly laterally to a normal position in order that lumps of foreign material forming at the knitting needles of said knitting machine may move saidpointer out of said normal position, and latch means operating between said member and said pointer and including engaging keeper elements for holding said pointer forwards when said pointer is in its lateral normal position and said keeper elements disengaging when said pointer is moved laterally out of said normal position in order that said first named resilient means may retract said plunger and said pointer, said keeper elements comprising a notch in the side of said pointer and an edge portion on said member engageable by said notch.

9. A retractable electric needle protector for a knitting machine having an electric stop m0- tion, comprising a member for attachment upon a part of a knitting machine so that said member moves relatively to and along'the knitting needles of said machine, a plunger movable relative to said member from a forward to a retracted position and back to a forward position, resilient means urging said plunger into said re tracted position, an electric circuit for connection with the electric stop motion of said knitting machine and including a circuit opener and closer synchronized ,with said plunger for closing said circuit when said plunger-is retracted, a pointer connected with said plunger and having a pointed end for location as close as possible to the stitches being knitted by said knitting machine when said plunger is in its forward position and retractable by said plunger in order to be spaced a relatively large distance from said stitches when said plunger is retracted, resilient means for urging said pointer slightly laterally to a normal position in order that lumps of foreign material forming at the knitting needles of said knitting machine may move said pointer out of said nor-- mal position, and latch means operating between said member and said pointer and including engaging keeper elements for holding said pointer forwards when said pointer is in its lateral normal position and said keeper elements disengaging when said pointer is moved laterally out of said normal position in order that said first named resilent means may retract said plunger and said pointer, said member being cylindrical, and said plunger being slidably mounted in said cylindrical member, and a stem mounted on said plunger and protruding from said cylindrical member in order that said pointer may be moved to its forward position by moving said plunger by engaging and moving said stem, and said stem serving as a signal for indicating whether said needleprot'ect'or is on or on? K 10. A reti'aetaiiiie'i electric: needle protector for a knitting machine l'ii'zivi n'g an electric stop rnotion, comprising a memberier attaennient upon a part of a knitting machine sotliat saidmember moves 1-elativeI-3 teas-d aloiig the knitting needles of saidmachine, a. plunger movable relative to said member from a forward to a retracted position and back to a forward position, resilient means urging saidpliihg'er into said retracted position, an electric' circuit for connection with: the electric Stop mot-ion at said knittingniachine and including a circuit opener and (il'oser synchronized with said plunger for closing 'said circuit when said jaihtfigl is retracted; a} pointer connected witn-said'pliing er and haVi n-g'a pointed v end'for location: as elos'e as possibl'eto tlrie stitches bein knitted by said lniittingm shine wnen said plunger is in its forward" position and retract able b said plungeiiin order to be spaee'd 'a relatively large distanced-rem said stitches when said plunger is retracted; resilient means for urfg g said pointer slightlylat'eral'liy to a normal posttion in order tnatz lurnps 01 foreign material'iorm ing at the knitting needles of said. knitting nia chine ma move said'poi-nter outo'f said normalposition, latch means. operating between said member and said; pointer and inelutrinia engaging keeper elements for holding said ointer" for- Wards when said ointer: is: in: its lateralnormal 7 position andi saidi keeper? elements disengaging when said pointer-"lamented laterally out of said normal position in order that said first named resilient means may retract said plunger and said pointer, and means f'or attaching said liie'hi-v ber to said part: of said: knitting. machine in vari' ous selective positions.

11. A retractable electric needle protector for a knitting machine having-"anel'eotri'o stop'nio tion, comprising a member for attachment upon a part of a knitting machine so that said'member moves relatively to afid along the knitting needles of said macli a plunger movable rel a tive to said memberfroin aforward to 'a retracted position and back toa forward position; resilient means urging said plane-er into said etracted position, an electric circuit for connection with said pointer slightly laterally to a normal posi z tionin order that lumps-oi foreign material-fci iiiing at the knitting needles of said knitting machine may move said pointer out of said normal 7 position, and latch means operating between said: member and said pointer and: inclixdii-igengage' ing keeper elements for holding: said pointer: for Wards when said pointer is in its lateral-normal position and said keeper elements disengaging When said pointer is moved laterally out of saidnormal position in order that said first' nam'ed resilient means may r'etraet said plunger and said pointer, said member being: cylindrical and said plunger being slidably nrountedr in said: cylindrical member, said pointer being conneeted'witlig said: plunger with a pivot; and-said second named} resilient means comprising a spring acting. be-

tween saidi pointer and said: plunger, said plunger having aslit, the back end-of said pointer en'- agin in said slit, a pintle pin mounted across said slit, the back endoifi' said p'ointerhaifing a notch engaging said: pin: for forming said pivot, said; plunger having an opening in the sides or said slit; and said spr'i-ng being engaged in'said opening and acting against the back end of said pointer for" urging said? pointer into said normal position. V

' EDWARD vossnn:

REFERENCES CITED The following references. are of record in the file of this patent: Y

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date- 2,03s;24a Wachsman Apr. 7, 1936 2,339,442

Wachsman Jan. IS-{1944 

